Engage San Francisco Literacy

Engage San Francisco (ESF) literacy is a reading tutoring program housed within the Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good. As part of the Engage San Francisco initiative, ESF literacy seeks to promote educational equity for children living in the Western Addition neighborhood of San Francisco. 

For university students, this is a paid tutoring opportunity prioritized, but not limited to, federal work-study students. Tutoring opportunities are available at nearby public elementary schools and community organizations within a 10-minute radius of USF's main campus by foot or bus. To learn more about the sites and their histories, please visit our community partners page. 

Responsibilities vary by partner site and may include:

  • Reading with children 
  • Playing literacy games
  • Helping children complete homework
  • Engaging with children during playtime, athletics, or other enrichment activities
Open All

Application open on a rolling basis through 2023-2024

  • Must have a Federal Work Study (FWS) award of at least $3,000 for the current academic year. To view your FWS award amount, log in at myusf.usfca.edu and access Banner. For additional support, refer to step-by-step instructions or send an email to Student Employment (stuemp@office.usfca.edu). 
  • Must be enrolled in 17 credits or less for the Fall semester. Exceptions can be made sparingly in some cases for students enrolled in 18+ credits - please inquire if applicable. 
  • Must enroll in a weekly, 1-hour, 1-credit course as part of start-up training for 1 full year (2 consecutive semesters). The course is taught by Dr. Onllwyn Dixon, an adjunct faculty member with USF's School of Education, and takes place in the McCarthy Center (281 Masonic Ave). Tentative class times and days are: 
    • Thursday evenings 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm 
    • NOTE: If you are enrolled in a degree/credentialing program within the Undergraduate Teacher Education Center (UTEC) this start-up training requirement is modified. UTEC students must instead attend a separate, non-credit- bearing training explicitly catered to future teachers. 
  • Must be available to work a minimum of a single 3-hour shift, 1 day per week, for 1 full academic year. Shifts are available Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 6 pm.
  • Must participate in ongoing professional development meetings and trainings.
  • Must pass a criminal background check/ Live Scan fingerprints. 
  • Must pass a Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment. 
  •  Must be in good academic, financial, and disciplinary standing with the university. All applicants must give the Office of Student Conduct, Rights, and Responsibilities permission to release any information in their disciplinary records to the McCarthy Center. 

APPLY TODAY!

Questions? Email engagesfliteracy@gmail.com